Book Review: Chaos Walking #3: Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

In the riveting conclusion to the acclaimed dystopian series, a boy and girl caught in the chaos of war face devastating choices that will decide the fate of a world.
As a world-ending war surges around them, Todd and Viola face monstrous decisions. The indigenous Spackle, thinking and acting as one, have mobilized to avenge their murdered people. Ruthless human leaders prepare to defend their factions at all costs, even as a convoy of new settlers approaches. And as the ceaseless Noise lays all thoughts bare, the projected will of the few threatens to overwhelm the desperate desire of the many. The consequences of each action, each word, are unspeakably vast: To follow a tyrant or a terrorist? To save the life of the one you love most, or thousands of strangers? To believe in redemption, or assume it is lost? Becoming adults amid the turmoil, Todd and Viola question all they have known, racing through horror and outrage toward a shocking finale.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been crying since Book 1. And to say that my eyes will not get any wetter is an understatement. *sniffs* Okay, so how do i find the conclusion on the Chaos Walking trilogy? Fan-effing-tastic. It was SPECTACULAR! Yeah, i got my heart broken now and again. But what’s new with Patrick Ness, right? I’d say, feel free to crush my heart anytime, Mr. Ness. As long as I have that triumphant ending, i really wouldn’t mind. 😀

War makes Monsters of Men. But does it make monsters of women, too? This is the dilemma of Viola. While Todd is getting busy in keeping the Mayor in line with his promise, another war is looming. Deadlier. Nastier. Angrier. Yes! *this is me getting on my war freak mode* Aja!

War is never personal, Mistress Coyle said to Viola. Is it, really? If Todd failed to make it after the war, what’s left for me? she wondered. That does not get any personal than that? All throughout, Viola bore the burden of whether to save Todd or the incoming settlers to the New World. How I love Viola’s defiant strength and unwavering loyalty to those who mattered to her. That’s my girl!

Todd is now grown up, and I understood his desire to just walk away from the war. from the Mayor. and the steely resolve he has to not trust the Mayor, to not let him besmirch Davy’s memory, to not let him break his promise of protecting Viola is one of the major highlights of the story. Whoopee!

Can you guess who is the third POV here? 🙂 He’s like Todd is many ways. Reading his part takes some getting used to, but it was enlightening.

Monsters of Men has one of the best finales ever. What a stellar conclusion to a very imaginative and soulful story!

I was glad it ended, though. I felt like I was physically in that war myself. But the final battle is worth it. Man, every tear was WORTH it.